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The Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Adam Malik, had talks in Paris on Thursday?

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The Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Adam Malik, had talks in Paris on Thursday with his French counterpart, Jean Sauvagnargues. According to Reuters, the two men discussed bilateral trade.

Although no official reports were made on the talks, it is believed that the two foreign ministers discussed Indonesia's 300-million france (about GBP 35 1/4 million sterling) deficit in its trade with France.

Between 1973 and 1975, France doubled its exports to Indonesia, but for Indonesia, the situation was reversed. Its exports to France dropped from 272 million francs (about GBP 32 million sterling) in 1974 to 215 million francs (about GBP 26 million sterling) in 1975.

Indonesia has been making efforts to reach a trading agreement with the European Economic Community (EEC). It is believed to be seeking French support for an agreement with the EEC, similar to the Lome accord - which gives certain African states trading concessions within the European community.

Mr. Malik was due to meet the French President, Monsieur Valery Giscard d'Estaing, on Friday (30 April) before continuing his discussions with the Minister of Industry Monsieur Michel d'Orango.